CN110622362B

CN110622362B - Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly

Info

Publication number: CN110622362B
Application number: CN201880031910.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托马斯·E·弗莱厄蒂四世; 凯西·罗伊·斯坦
Original assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
Current assignee: Corning Research and Development Corp
Priority date: 2017-04-28
Filing date: 2018-03-28
Publication date: 2022-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-28
Also published as: TWI786100B; US9960507B1; CN110622362A; TW201842716A; WO2018200116A1; EP3616267A1

Abstract

A Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the RF connector pin assembly includes a first dielectric, a second dielectric, and a contact pin positioned in a housing. The contact pin has a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar. The axial movement of the contact pin is limited by the annular collar moving in the gap between the first and second dielectrics. The first pin section is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component (e.g., a connector), while the second pin section terminates distally in a connection feature that is connectable to an external structure (e.g., a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)). The contact pin moves axially, or floats, in response to movement of the connection feature by engagement with the external structure. Multiple housings may be independently removably mounted in a block using independently movable contact pins.

Description

Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is related to U.S. patent application No. 15/581891, filed on 28/4/2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assemblies, and in particular to RF connector pin assemblies having floating connector pins (also referred to as "contact pins") mounted in a housing for use as single pin connectors and in a multi-pin connector block for connection to a printed circuit board.

Background

In the field of microwave frequency connectors, there are male contact pins designed to be soldered onto a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). These contact pins are metallic and are typically surrounded by a plastic insulator and a metal shell to provide a connector pin assembly. The connector pin assemblies may be coupled by various methods, including push-on designs. Contact pins are key components in electrical signal transmission. There are situations where due to tolerance stack-up (tolerance stack) and non-flat PCBs, the connector needs to overcome large variable distances and still maintain good performance at high frequencies. Accordingly, there has been a focus on developing connector pin assemblies incorporating so-called "floating" contact pins that are axially moved bi-directionally to accommodate non-uniformities in the surface flatness of the PCB. However, the axial movement of the contact pins must be suppressed in both directions to allow the contact pins to be held in carriers or header seats; and in order to be effective the restraints (restraints) must be larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the channel in the carrier or header. A difficulty in the assembly of the connector pin assembly involves inserting a contact pin having two constraints through a channel when the constraints are larger than the channel, and doing so without damaging the carrier or header. This is particularly difficult with connector pin assemblies incorporating multiple contact pins.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a conventional floating pin assembly 100 is shown. A single pin arrangement is shown in fig. 1, while a multiple pin arrangement is shown in fig. 2. In fig. 1 and 2, each pin 102 is shown mounted through a hole 104 in a carrier block 106. The pin 102 is typically made of an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal), while the carrier 106 is typically made of a dielectric material, such that the carrier 106 can act as an insulator for the pin 102. The carrier 106 may also be referred to as a header. To allow the pin 102 to "float," the pin 102 has a shaft 108 with an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the bore 104. In this manner, the shaft 108 is free to slide within the bore 104, allowing the pin 102 to move axially. However, it is necessary to limit the amount of bi-directional axial movement of the pin 102 to maintain the pin 102 within the carrier 106. To provide such bi-directional restraint, the pin 102 has two integral restraints, a first restraint 110 to limit axial movement of the pin 102 in a first direction, and a second restraint 112 to limit axial movement of the pin 102 in a second direction.

First and

second restraints

110, 112 extend radially outward from a surface of shaft 108. However, to be able to limit axial movement of the pin 102, both the first and

second constraints

110, 112 must extend radially outward from the shaft 108 to a circumferential periphery that exceeds the outer diameter of the hole 104. Typically, both the first and

second restraints

110, 112 are integrally formed with the pin 102 and are formed as part of the pin 102. Due to the necessary size and unitary structure of the pin 102, one of the first or

second restraints

110, 112 must be inserted in the carrier 106 by forcing it through the aperture 104 during assembly of the floating pin assembly 100. Accordingly, one or both of the first and

second restraints

110, 112 may have rounded or beveled edges or surfaces to facilitate such insertion. As can be seen in fig. 1 and 2, the first restraint 110 has a beveled surface 114, indicating that the pin 102 is inserted into the carrier 106 by forcing the first restraint 110 through the aperture 104. While the beveled surface 114 may facilitate the installation of the pin 102 to a particular degree, such installation places stresses on the material of the carrier block 106 that may cause cracks or other structural damage and physically compromise the carrier block 106 to a particular degree and/or compromise its insulating integrity. Additionally, the angled surface 114 allows the pin 102 to be installed in only one orientation.

The multiple pin arrangement depicted in fig. 2 exacerbates the opportunity for such structural effects and breakage effects. Five prongs 102 are shown in fig. 2, and each prong may have been installed by forcing a respective first restraint 110 through a respective aperture 104 in the carrier block 106. Although the pin 102 may move bi-directionally axially in the bore 104, such movement only occurs between the first and

second restraints

110, 112. As such, once the pin 102 is installed, the pin 102 cannot be removed by either continuing to force the pin 102 in the same direction of installation or by forcing the pin 102 back through the hole 104. Accordingly, once a pin 102 is installed in the carrier 106, it cannot be removed without damaging the carrier 106.

In fig. 2, the second restraint 112 is shown engaged with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 116. In this regard, the second restraints 112 on each pin 102 also serve as contacts to be connected to the PCB 116 and may be soldered to conductive traces (not shown in fig. 2) on the PCB 116. The PCB 116 may not be perfectly flat or planar, but may have surface non-uniformities, such as bow, as depicted in fig. 2 for the PCB 116. As the different second restraints 112 engage the PCB 116, the non-uniformity of the surface of the PCB 116 causes the second restraints 112 to move (which moves the pins 102 axially), thereby allowing the pins 102 to "float". However, since the second restraint 112 is also used as a contact, non-uniformity of the PCB 116 may cause the second restraint 112 to be forced against the carrier seat 106. This is illustrated in fig. 2 by the pins 102 being mounted in the middle. Not only may such mounting increase the likelihood of damage to the pedestal 106, it may also compromise the integrity of the connection of the second restraint 112 to the conductive traces on the PCB 116.

Therefore, there is an unresolved need for a Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly that not only provides axially moving (or floating) pins to accommodate non-uniformities in the surface of the PCB, but that can also be mounted without compromising the carrier or header, or the connection to the PCB.

Any reference cited herein is not admitted to constitute prior art. Applicants expressly reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any cited documents.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly. The RF connector pin assembly includes a first dielectric including a first stop surface and a first through-channel extending through the first dielectric. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a second dielectric including a second stop surface positioned relative to the first stop surface, and a second through-channel extending through the second dielectric, wherein the second through-channel is aligned with the first through-channel, and wherein the first and second stop surfaces define a gap between the first and second dielectrics. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a contact pin including a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at an interface of the first pin section and the second pin section. The first pin section is movably disposed in the first through-channel and the second pin section is movably disposed in the second through-channel. The annular collar is positioned in the gap. The axial movement of the contact pin is limited by the movement of the annular collar in the gap between the first and second stop surfaces. The first pin section is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component, and wherein the second pin section terminates distally in a connection feature.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an RF connector pin assembly. An RF connector pin assembly includes a housing including a first section and a second section separated from the first section by a divider. The partition includes an access opening extending between the first segment and the second segment. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a first dielectric positioned in the second section. The first dielectric includes a first stop surface and a first through-channel extending through the first dielectric, wherein the first through-channel is aligned with the access opening. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a second dielectric positioned in the second section. The second dielectric includes a second stop surface positioned relative to the first stop surface and a second through-channel extending through the second dielectric. The second through via is aligned with the first through via and with the access opening, while the first and second stop surfaces define a gap between the first and second dielectrics. The first stop surface is separated from the second stop surface by a distance "A" by the gap. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a contact pin including a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at an interface of the first pin section and the second pin section. The first prong segment is movably disposed in the first through channel and the second prong segment is movably disposed in the second through channel. The contact pins are axially movable in a first direction and a second direction in the first through-channel and the second through-channel, while the annular collar is positioned in the gap. The axial movement of the contact pin is limited by the movement of the annular collar in the gap in the first direction limited by the first stop surface and in the second direction limited by the second stop surface. The first pin section extends through the first through channel and into the first section through the access opening, while the second pin section terminates distally in a connecting feature.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an RF connector pin assembly. The RF connector pin assembly includes a housing including a first section and a second section separated from the first section by a divider. The partition includes an access opening extending between the first segment and the second segment. The RF connector pin assembly further includes a dielectric positioned in the second section. The dielectric includes a through-channel extending through the dielectric between first and second faces, and wherein the through-channel includes an inner diameter "TPID" and is aligned with the access opening. The RF connector pin assembly further includes a contact pin including a shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft is movably friction fit in the through channel, and a first end of the shaft extends from the first face of the through channel and through the access opening into the first section. A second end of the shaft extends from the second face of the through-channel and terminates in a connecting feature. The shaft has an outer diameter "SOD" that is greater than an inner diameter "TPID" of the through passage. The contact pin may be axially movable in a first direction and a second direction in the through-channel when an outer diameter "SOD" of the shaft contacts the inner diameter "TPID" of the through-channel.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling an RF connector pin assembly. The method comprises the following steps: a housing is provided that includes a first section, a second section, and a divider separating the first section from the second section. The method also comprises the steps of: inserting a first dielectric in the second section of the housing, the first dielectric including a first through-channel and a first stop surface. The method also comprises the steps of: inserting a second dielectric in the second section of the housing, the second dielectric comprising a second through-channel and a second stop surface, wherein the second through-channel is aligned with the first through-channel and wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface form a gap. The method also comprises the steps of: a contact pin is movably arranged in the housing, the contact pin comprising a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at the interface of the first pin section and the second pin section. The first prong segment is movably disposed in the first through channel and the second prong segment is movably disposed in the second through channel. The contact pin is axially movable in a first direction and a second direction in the first through-channel and the second through-channel. The annular collar is positioned in the gap except through the first and second through-passages.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an RF connector block assembly. The RF connector block assembly includes a multi-connector block including a plurality of housing ports, wherein the multi-connector block is attachable to an external structure. The RF connector block assembly also includes a plurality of enclosures, wherein each enclosure of the plurality of enclosures is removably mounted in an enclosure port of the plurality of enclosure ports, wherein one enclosure of the plurality of enclosures is removably mounted independent of another enclosure of the plurality of enclosures. The RF connector block assembly also includes contact pins movably disposed in each of the plurality of housings, wherein the contact pins in one of the plurality of housings are axially movable in a first direction and a second direction independently of the contact pins in another of the plurality of housings.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an RF connector block assembly. The RF connector block assembly includes a connector block including at least one housing port, wherein the connector block is attachable to an external structure. The RF connector block assembly also includes at least one housing removably mounted in the at least one housing port. The RF connector block assembly also includes at least one contact pin movably disposed in the at least one housing, wherein the at least one contact pin in the at least one housing is capable of moving in a first direction and a second direction.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the specification and claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings depict one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional floating pin;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a plurality of conventional floating pins engaging a Printed Circuit Board (PCB);

FIG. 3 is a partial detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a single pin configuration of a Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly having a connector pin and dielectric;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a multi-pin configuration of the RF connector pin assembly of FIG. 3 engaging a PCB;

FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the RF connector pin assembly of FIG. 3, also having a housing;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are assembled detailed cross-sectional views of the RF connector pin assembly of FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is an aerial perspective view of the RF connector pin assembly of fig. 5;

FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an RF connector pin assembly having a connector pin, dielectric, and housing;

FIG. 9 is an assembled detailed cross-sectional view of the RF connector pin assembly of FIG. 8;

fig. 10 is an aerial perspective view of the RF connector pin assembly of fig. 8 and 9;

11A and 11B are detailed cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled RF connector pin assembly having right angle connector pins, a dielectric, and a housing;

fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the RF connector pin assembly of fig. 8 connected to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and with a connector attached;

fig. 13 is an exploded cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an RF connector pin assembly having a connector pin, a dielectric, and a housing;

fig. 14A and 14B are assembled detailed cross-sectional views of the RF connector pin assembly of fig. 13;

Fig. 15A and 15B are detailed cross-sectional views of another example embodiment of an assembled RF connector pin assembly with right angle connector pins, a dielectric and a housing;

fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the RF connector pin assembly of fig. 13 connected to a PCB and attached with a connector;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an example embodiment of a multi-pin RF connector block assembly having a plurality of RF connector pin assemblies disposed therein;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-pin RF connector block assembly of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the connector block assembly of FIG. 17 without the RF connector pin assembly;

fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector block assembly of fig. 19 taken along line 20-20;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the multi-pin RF connector block assembly of FIG. 17 connected to a PCB;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the multi-pin RF connector block assembly of FIG. 21; and

fig. 23 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary procedure for assembling an RF connector pin assembly.

Detailed Description

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly. The RF connector pin assembly includes a first dielectric including a first stop surface and a first through-channel extending through the first dielectric. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a second dielectric including a second stop surface positioned relative to the first stop surface, and a second through-channel extending through the second dielectric, wherein the second through-channel is aligned with the first through-channel, and wherein the first and second stop surfaces define a gap between the first and second dielectrics. The RF connector pin assembly also includes a contact pin including a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at an interface of the first pin section and the second pin section. The first pin section is movably disposed in the first through channel and the second pin section is movably disposed in the second through channel. The annular collar is positioned in the gap. The axial movement of the contact pin is limited by the movement of the annular collar in the gap between the first and second stop surfaces. The first pin section is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component, and wherein the second pin section terminates distally in a connection feature.

In this regard, fig. 3 and 4 show an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 200 engaged with an external structure 202, which external structure 202 may be a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In fig. 3 and 4, the RF connector pin assembly 200 is not shown with any shell or other housing to facilitate discussion of the specific components of the RF connector pin assembly 200. In fig. 3, the RF connector pin assembly 200 is depicted as having a single pin arrangement, while a multiple pin arrangement is depicted in fig. 4. The RF connector pin assembly 200 has a first dielectric 204 with a first stop surface 206. A first through via 208 (shown in dashed lines in fig. 3) extends through the first dielectric 204 from (and through) the first stop surface 206 to (and through) the upper surface 210. The second dielectric 212 has a second stop surface 214 that is positioned relative to the first stop surface 206. A second through via 216 (shown in phantom in fig. 3) extends through the second dielectric 212 from (and through) the second stop surface 214 to (and through) the lower surface 218. The second through passage 216 is aligned with the first through passage 208. The first stop surface 206 and the second stop surface 214 define a gap 220 therebetween. The first dielectric 204 and the second dielectric 212 may be made of any suitable material, such as PTFE or Torlon (Polyimide-imide) as non-limiting examples.

A contact pin 222 is shown having a first pin section 224, a second pin section 226, and an annular collar 228, the annular collar 228 being located at an interface 230 of the first pin section 224 and the second pin section 226. The first pin section 224 is movably disposed in the first through passage 208 and the second pin section 226 is movably disposed in the second through passage 216 with the annular collar 228 positioned in the gap 220. In this way, the axial movement of the contact pin 222 is limited to the movement of the annular collar 228 in the gap 220 between the first and second stop surfaces 206, 214. Additionally, the first pin section 224 is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component, which may be a connector (not shown in fig. 3 and 4). The second pin section 226 may terminate distally in a connection feature 232.

Referring particularly to fig. 3, the annular collar 228 extends radially from the contact pin 222 such that an outer diameter "AOD" of the annular collar 228 is larger than an inner diameter "FID" of the first through-passage 208 and an inner diameter "SID" of the second through-passage 216. A first side 234 of the annular collar 228 contacts the first stop surface 206 to limit axial movement of the contact pin 222 in a first direction 238 to a first direction travel limit 239. A second side 236 of the annular collar 228 contacts the second stop surface 214 to limit axial movement of the contact pin 222 in a second direction 240 to a second direction travel limit 241.

The connection feature 232 may be adapted for connection to an external structure 202, which external structure 202 may be a PCB 203 as mentioned above. As such, the connection features 232 may be soldered to the PCB 203, including conductive traces (not shown in fig. 3 and 4) soldered to the PCB 203. Referring specifically to fig. 4, the RF connector pin assembly 200 may include a plurality of contact pins 222, wherein each contact pin 222 includes a first dielectric 204 and a second dielectric 212 (as discussed above). In this aspect, the plurality of connection features 232 from the plurality of contact pins 222 may engage the PCB 203. As previously described, the PCB 203 may not be perfectly flat or planar, but instead may have surface non-uniformities, such as the bow depicted in fig. 4. As the connection features 232 engage the PCB 203, non-uniformities in the surface of the PCB 203 cause the connection features 232 (and thus the respective contact pins 222) to move or "float" axially. Thus, the annular collar 228 moves in the gap 220 between the first stop surface 206 and the second stop surface 214. This is illustrated in fig. 4 by the annular collars 228 contacting the pins 222, which are located in different parts of the respective gaps 220. Since the connection features 232 are not used as constraints (as discussed above with respect to the conventional floating pin assembly 100), there is no problem with the aspect that the contact heads are forced against the carrier or header compromising the connection of the contact pins 222 to the PCB 203. The contact pins 222 may be made of any suitable conductive material, such as a non-limiting example of a brass plated gold over nickel (ni).

Referring now to fig. 5-7, an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 200' is shown. The RF connector pin assembly 200' is the same as the RF connector pin assembly 200 discussed with respect to fig. 3 and 4, except for the addition of the housing 242. Fig. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of RF connector pin assembly 200' showing housing 242, first dielectric 204, second dielectric 212, and contact pin 222 aligned along the same axis "X1". Fig. 6A is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 200' with contact pins 222 at a second direction travel limit 241. Fig. 6B is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 200' with contact pins 222 at a first direction travel limit 239. Fig. 7 is an overhead perspective view of RF connector pin assembly 200'.

With continued reference to fig. 5, 6A, and 6B, the housing 242 includes a first segment 244 and a second segment 246, the second segment 246 of which is separated from the first segment 244 by a divider 248. The partition 248 has an access opening 250 that extends between the first and

second segments

244, 246. The first dielectric 204 is positioned in the second segment 246. Similarly, the second dielectric 212 is positioned in the second segment 246. The first dielectric 204 and the second dielectric 212 may be positioned in the second segment 246 such that the first through-channel 208, the second through-channel 216, and the access opening 250 are aligned. The first and second stop surfaces 206, 214 define a gap 220 between the first and

second dielectrics

204, 212, the first stop surface 206 being separated from the second stop surface 214 by a distance "a" by the gap 220.

As discussed above, contact pin 222 includes a first pin section 224, a second pin section 226, and an annular collar 228, the annular collar 228 being located at an interface 230 of the first and

second pin sections

224, 226. Assembly of the RF connector pin assembly 200' may be accomplished by friction fitting (frictioning fit) the first dielectric 204 in the second segment 246; inserting the first pin section 224 into the first through channel 208 of the first dielectric 204; and frictionally fitting the second dielectric 212 in the second segment 246 such that the second pin section 226 is inserted into the second through-channel 216 of the second dielectric 212. In this manner, the annular collar 228 need not be forced through either the first through-passage 208 or the second through-passage 216 to assemble the RF connector pin assembly 200'.

In this regard, the first pin section 224 is movably disposed in the first through-channel 208 and the second pin section 226 is movably disposed in the second through-channel 216 such that the contact pin 222 is axially movable in the first and second through-

channels

208, 216 in first and

second directions

238, 240. Additionally, the first pin section 224 may extend through the first through channel 208 and into the first section 244 through the access opening 250. The first segment 244 may include a socket 252 having a receiving port 254, the receiving port 254 adapted to receive a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). The first pin section 224 may provide electrical continuity with a connector received by the receiving port 254 of the socket 252.

The second segment 246 includes an open distal end 256 opposite the spacer 248. As shown in fig. 6B, the connection feature 232 may be in the housing 242 when the axial movement of the contact pin 222 is at the first direction travel limit 239. As shown in fig. 6A, when the axial movement of the contact pin 222 is at the second directional travel limit 241, the connection feature 232 may extend a distance "B" through the open distal end 256 of the housing 242. Distance "B" must not exceed distance "A", which is the size of gap 220. In this manner, sufficient distance may be provided to allow the contact pins 222 to move axially in response to movement of the connection features 232 by virtue of their engagement with the external structure 202, such as, for example, the PCB 203 (not shown). Further still, the distance "B" may allow the housing 242 to contact the PCB 203 such that the housing 242 may be adapted to provide ground continuity between external components, such as the connector received by the receiving port 254 of the socket 252 and the PCB 203. The housing 242 may be made of any suitable material, such as, by way of non-limiting example, gold-on-nickel brass.

Fig. 7 shows an overhead perspective view of RF connector pin assembly 200' looking into first section 244 of housing 242. The contact pins 222, the dividers 248, and the access openings 250 are visible, as are the slots 252 and the receiving ports 254. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the RF connector pin assembly 200 'is installed (i.e., connected to the PCB 203), the top of the RF connector pin assembly 200' may be exposed and accessible to allow for connection to external components (such as, for example, a connector).

Referring now to fig. 8-10, an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 300 is depicted. The RF connector pin assembly 300 includes certain aspects similar to the RF connector pin assemblies 200 and 200' discussed above with respect to fig. 3-7. Accordingly, such discussion of similar aspects to RF connector pin assemblies 200 and 200' will not be repeated herein with respect to RF connector pin assembly 300, except for any substantial differences.

Fig. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of RF connector pin assembly 300 showing housing 302, first dielectric 304, second dielectric 306, bushing 308, and contact pin 310 aligned along the same axis "X2". Fig. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 300 with contact pins 310 at a first direction travel limit 312. With continued reference now to fig. 8 and 9, the housing 302 includes a first segment 314 and a second segment 316, the second segment 316 being separated from the first segment 314 by a divider 318. An access opening 320 in the partition 318 extends between the first segment 314 and the second segment 316. The first dielectric 304, the second dielectric 306, and the liner 308 are positioned in the second segment 316 such that the first through-channel 322 in the first dielectric 304, the second through-channel 324 in the second dielectric 306, and the liner opening 326 in the liner 308 are all aligned. The second segment 316 includes an open distal end 348 opposite the partition 318. The first stop surface 328 on the first dielectric 304 and the second stop surface 330 on the second dielectric 306 define a gap 332, wherein the first stop surface 328 is separated from the second stop surface 330 by a distance "a" by the gap 332. Although a side 331 of the first dielectric 304 is shown abutting the second dielectric 306 in fig. 9, a gap 332 is maintained between the first stop surface 328 and the second stop surface 330, bounded by the side 331. The first dielectric 304 and the second dielectric 306 may be made of any suitable material, such as PTFE or Torlon (polyimide imide) as non-limiting examples.

Contact pin 310 includes a first pin section 334, a second pin section 336, and an annular collar 338, which annular collar 338 is located at an interface 340 of first pin section 334 and second pin section 336. The second pin section 336 may terminate distally in a connection feature 342. Assembly of the RF connector pin assembly 300 may be by friction fitting the second dielectric 306 in the second section 316; inserting the second pin section 336 into the second through channel 324 of the second dielectric 306; positioning the first dielectric 304 in the second segment 316 such that the first pin section 334 is inserted into the first through-channel 322 of the first dielectric 304 and the annular collar 338 is positioned in the gap 332; and frictionally fitting the bushing 308 in the second segment 316 over the first dielectric 304 such that the first pin section 334 extends through the bushing opening 326. In this manner, the annular collar 338 need not be forced through the first through passage 322, the second through passage 324, or the bushing opening 326 to assemble the RF connector pin assembly 300. The contact pin 310 and the bushing 308 may be made of any suitable material, such as the non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

In this regard, the first prong section 334 is movably disposed in the first through passage 322 and the second prong section 336 is movably disposed in the second through passage 324 such that the contact prong 310 is axially movable in the first and second through

passages

322, 324 in the first and

second directions

337, 339. Additionally, the first pin section 334 may extend through the first through passage 322, the bushing opening 326, and into the first segment 314 through the access opening 320. The first segment 314 may include a slot 344 having a receiving port 346, the receiving port 346 adapted to receive a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). The first pin section 334 may provide electrical continuity with a connector received by the receiving port 346 of the slot 344.

The second segment 316 includes an open distal end 348 opposite the partition 318. In fig. 9, the contact pin 310 is at the first direction of travel limit 312 and the connection feature 342 is positioned in the housing 302. In a manner similar to RF connector pin assembly 200' (as shown in fig. 6A), when the axial movement of contact pin 310 is at the second direction travel limit 350, connection feature 342 may extend through the open distal end 348 of housing 302 a distance "B," which may be less than or equal to distance "a" (the size of gap 332). In this manner, sufficient distance may be provided to allow the contact pins 310 to move axially in response to movement of the connection features 342 by virtue of their engagement with an external structure, such as a PCB, for example. Even further, the distance "B" may allow the housing 302 to contact a PCB such that the housing 302 may be adapted to provide ground continuity between external components, such as a connector received by the receiving port 346 of the socket 344 and the PCB. The housing 302 may be made of any suitable material, such as the non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

Fig. 10 is an overhead perspective view of RF connector pin assembly 300 looking into first section 314 of housing 302. The contact pins 310, the separators 318, the bushings 308, and the access openings 320 are visible, as are the slots 344 and the receiving ports 346. As will be discussed in more detail below, the top of the RF connector pin assembly 300 may be exposed and accessible to allow for connection of external components, such as, for example, a connector.

Referring now to fig. 11A and 11B, an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 400 is shown. RF connector pin assembly 400 includes certain aspects similar to RF connector pin assemblies 200, 200' discussed above with respect to fig. 3-7. Accordingly, such discussion of similar aspects to RF connector pin assemblies 200, 200' will not be repeated herein with respect to RF connector pin assembly 400, except for any substantial differences.

Fig. 11A and 11B are detailed cross-sectional views of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 400 showing housing 402, first dielectric 404, second dielectric 406, and right angle contact pins 408 (also referred to as right angle connector pins) aligned along the same axis "X3". Fig. 11A is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 400 with right angle contact pins 408 at a second directional travel limit 410. Fig. 11B is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 400 with right angle contact pins 408 at a first direction travel limit 412.

With continued reference now to fig. 11A and 11B, the housing 402 includes a first segment 414 and a second segment 416, the second segment 416 being separated from the first segment 414 by a divider 418. An access opening 420 in the partition 418 extends between the first segment 414 and the second segment 416. The first dielectric 404 is positioned in the second segment 416. Similarly, the second dielectric 406 is positioned in the second segment 416. The first dielectric 404 and the second dielectric 406 may be positioned in the second segment 416 such that the first through-channel 422, the second through-channel 424, and the access opening 420 in the first dielectric 404 are aligned. The first and second stop surfaces 426, 428 define a gap 430 between the first and

second dielectrics

404, 406, wherein the first stop surface 426 is separated from the second stop surface 428 by a distance "a" by a spacing 430. The first dielectric 404 and the second dielectric 406 may be made of any suitable material, such as PTFE or non-limiting examples of Torlon (polyimide imide).

Right angle contact pins 408 include a first pin section 432, a second pin section 434, an annular collar 436, the annular collar 436 being located at an interface 438 of the first and

second pin sections

432, 434, and a third pin section 440 extending from the second pin section 434 at an angle to the second pin section 434. Specifically, third pin section 440 is approximately perpendicular to second pin section 434 (i.e., at an approximately right angle to second pin section 434). The third pin section 440 is integrally connected to the second pin section 434. The third pin section 440 may terminate distally in a connection feature 442.

The RF connector pin assembly 400 may be assembled by: frictionally fitting the first dielectric 404 in the second segment 416; inserting the third pin section 440 through the second through-channel 424 of the second dielectric 406; inserting a second pin section 434 in the second through-channel 424 of the second dielectric 406; and frictionally fitting the second dielectric 406 in the second segment 416 such that the first pin section 432 is inserted into the first through-channel 422 of the first dielectric 404. In this manner, annular collar 436 does not have to be forced through first through passage 422 or second through passage 424 to assemble RF connector pin assembly 400. The straight angular contact pins 408 may be made of any suitable material, such as a non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel plated brass.

In this regard, the first pin section 432 is movably disposed in the first through-passage 422 and the second pin section 434 is movably disposed in the second through-passage 424 such that the right-angled contact pin 408 is capable of axial movement in the first and second through-

passages

422, 424 in first and

second directions

444, 446. Additionally, the first pin section 432 may extend through the first through passage 422 and into the first section 414 through the access opening 420. The first segment 414 may include a socket 448 having a receiving port 450 adapted to receive a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). The first pin section 432 may provide electrical continuity with a connector received by the receiving port 450 of the slot 448.

The second segment 416 includes an open distal end 452 opposite the divider 418. Further, the second segment 416 includes one or more sidewall channels 454 extending upwardly from the open distal end 452. In particular, the third pin section 440 is positioned through at least one of the one or more sidewall channels 454 with its connecting feature 442 extending beyond the second segment 416 to the exterior of the housing 402. As shown in fig. 11B, when the axial movement of the right-angle contact pins 408 is at the first direction of travel limit 412, the connection feature 442 is external to the housing 402, at least a portion of the third pin section 440 is positioned within the one or more sidewall channels 454, and at least a portion of the distal end 456 of the third pin section 440 may be in the housing 402. As shown in fig. 11A, when the axial movement of the right angle contact pins 408 is at the second directional travel limit 410, the connection feature 442 remains outside of the housing 402, the third pin section 440 is at least partially positioned within the one or more sidewall channels 454, and at least a portion of the distal end 456 of the third pin section 440 extends a distance B "through the open distal end 452 of the housing 402. Distance "B" may be less than or equal to distance "a," which is the size of gap 430. In this manner, sufficient distance may be provided to allow the right-angled contact pins 408 to move axially in response to movement of the third pin section 440 (and connection feature 442) by virtue of their engagement with an external structure, such as, for example, the PCB 203 (see fig. 4). Even further, the distance "B" may allow the housing 402 to contact the PCB 203 such that the housing 402 may be adapted to provide ground continuity between external components, such as the connector and the PCB 203 received by the receiving port 450 of the socket 448. The housing 402 may be made of any suitable material, such as the non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of RF connector pin assembly 300, RF connector pin assembly 300 connected to PCB 203 and having connector 560 inserted into receiving port 346. RF connector pin assembly 300 is aligned with connector 560 along the same axis "X4". The second section 316 of the housing 302 contacts the PCB 203 and thereby establishes ground continuity with the body 562 of the connector 560 through the first section 314 of the housing 302. The connection features 342 of the contact pins 310 are shown connected to conductors of the PCB 203, which may be accomplished by soldering the connection features 342 to conductive traces (not shown in fig. 12) on the PCB 203. The annular collar 338 is shown at the first direction of travel limit 312 of the gap 332. The first pin section 334 is shown inserted into the connector 560 and provides continuity with the inner conductor 564 of the connector 560 to establish continuity from the PCB 203 through the contact pin 310 to the inner conductor 564.

Referring now to fig. 13-14B, an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 600 is shown. The RF connector pin assembly 600 includes certain aspects similar to the RF

connector pin assemblies

200, 200', 300, 400 of fig. 3-12. Accordingly, such discussion of similar aspects to the RF

connector pin assemblies

200, 200', 300, 400 will not be repeated herein with respect to the RF connector pin assembly 600, except for any substantial differences.

Fig. 13 is an exploded cross-sectional view of RF connector pin assembly 600 showing housing 602, dielectric 604, bushing 606, and contact pin 608 aligned along the same axis "X5" (also shown in fig. 14A-14B). Fig. 14A is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 600 with contact pins 608 in a first position. Fig. 6B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the assembled RF connector pin assembly 600 with the contact pins 608 in the second position.

With continued reference now to fig. 13-14B, the housing 602 includes a first segment 610 and a second segment 612, wherein the second segment 612 is separated from the first segment 610 by a divider 614. An access opening 616 in the partition 614 extends between the first segment 610 and the second segment 612. The dielectric 604 and the liner 606 are positioned in the second segment 612 such that the through-passages 618 in the dielectric 604 are all aligned with the liner openings 620 in the liner 606. The through-channel 618 includes an inner diameter TPID and extends between the first face 615A and the second face 615B of the dielectric 604. The second segment 612 includes an open distal end 622 opposite the partition 614. The dielectric 604 may be made of any suitable material, such as PTFE or non-limiting examples of Torlon (polyimide imide).

Contact pins 608 (also referred to as shafts) may terminate distally in connection features 624. The contact pin 608 includes a shank outer diameter SOD. The RF connector pin assembly 600 may be assembled by: the friction fit dielectric 604 and the bushing 606 (e.g., the outer surface of the dielectric 604 frictionally engages the inner surface of the bushing 606); frictionally fitting the liner 606 in the second segment 612 (e.g., an outer surface of the liner 606 frictionally engages an inner surface of the second segment 612) such that the dielectric 604 is inserted in the second segment 612; and frictionally fitting the contact pin 608 in the through-passage 618 of the dielectric 604 such that at least a portion of the contact pin 608 (and the connection feature 624) extends beyond the open distal end 622. In this manner, contact pins 608 need not be forced through-passages 618 to assemble RF connector pin assembly 600. The contact pins 608 and bushing 606 may be made of any suitable material, such as a non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

In this regard, when assembled, the bushing 606 mounts the dielectric 604 and the contact pin 608 within the housing 602, and also provides a distance "a" between the outer surface of the dielectric 604 and the inner surface of the second section 612 of the housing 602. The distance "a" reduces stress on the contact pin 608 during assembly of the dielectric 604 and the contact pin 608 within the second section 612 of the housing 602. Additionally, the dielectric 604 may thermally expand when the RF connector pin assembly 600 is mounted to a PCB. The distance "a" allows for radial expansion of the dielectric 604, further reducing stress on the contact pins 608. Further, the distance "a" avoids axial expansion of the dielectric 604, which is important to maintain reliability and electrical performance characteristics, as the electrical characteristics of the RF connector pin assembly 600 may vary depending on the distance between the dielectric 604 and the open distal end 622 of the housing 602.

The contact pin 608 is movably disposed in the through channel 618 such that the contact pin 608 is axially movable in the through channel 618 in a first direction 626 and a second direction 628. Additionally, proximal ends 630 of the contact pins 608 may extend through the through passages 618 and into the first segment 610 through the access openings 616. The first segment 610 may include a socket 632 having a receiving port 634 adapted to receive a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). The contact pins 608 may provide electrical continuity with a connector received by the receiving ports 634 of the slots 632.

In fig. 14A, the contact pin 608 is in a first position with the connection feature 624 extending a distance "B" beyond the open distal end 622 of the housing 602. In this manner, sufficient distance may be provided to allow the contact pins 608 to move axially in response to movement of the connection feature 624 by virtue of their engagement with an external structure, such as, for example, a PCB. Further still, the distance "B" may allow the housing 602 to contact a PCB such that the housing 602 may be adapted to provide ground continuity between external components, such as a connector received by the receiving port 634 of the socket 632 and the PCB. The housing 602 may be made of any suitable material, such as the non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

The frictional engagement of contact pins 608 with dielectric 604 is sufficient that contact pins 608 do not move in first direction 626 as RF connector pin assembly 600 engages or disengages a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). However, such frictional engagement may be purposefully or intentionally overcome to alter the position of the contact pin 608 relative to the dielectric 604 and the housing 602. In this manner, the distance of the connection feature 624 of the contact pin 608 relative to the open distal end 622 of the housing 602 allows intentional movement but avoids accidental movement.

Referring now to fig. 15A and 15B, an exemplary RF connector pin assembly 700 is shown. The RF connector pin assembly 700 includes certain aspects similar to the RF

connector pin assemblies

200, 200', 300, 400, 600 of fig. 3-14B. Accordingly, such discussion of similar aspects to the RF

connector pin assemblies

200, 200', 300, 400, 600 will not be repeated herein with respect to the RF connector pin assembly 700, except for any substantial differences.

Fig. 15A is a detailed cross-sectional view of an assembled RF connector pin assembly 700 showing housing 702, dielectric 704, bushing 706, and contact pin 708 aligned along a common axis "X6", with contact pin 708 at a first position. Fig. 15B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the assembled RF connector pin assembly 700 with the contact pins 708 in the second position.

With continued reference now to fig. 15A-15B, the housing 702 includes a first segment 710 and a second segment 712, the second segment 712 being separated from the first segment 710 by a divider 714. An access opening 716 in the partition 714 extends between the first and

second segments

710, 712. The dielectric 704 and the liner 706 are positioned in the second segment 712 such that the through-channels 718 in the dielectric 704 and the liner openings 720 in the liner 706 are all aligned. The through-channel 718 includes an inner diameter TPID and extends between the first face 715A and the second face 715B of the dielectric 704. The second segment 712 includes an open distal end 722 opposite the divider 714. The dielectric 704 may be made of any suitable material, such as PTFE or Torlon (non-limiting examples of polyimide imide).

The contact pin 708 includes a first pin section 709A (also referred to as a shaft) and a second pin section 709B (also referred to as a shaft). The first pin section 709A and the second pin section 709B each comprise a shaft outer diameter SOD. The second pin section 709B extends from the first pin section 709A at an angle to the first pin section 709A. Specifically, the second pin section 709B is approximately perpendicular to the first pin section 709A (i.e., approximately at a right angle to the first pin section 709A). The second pin section 709B is integrally connected to the first pin section 709A. The second pin section 709B may terminate distally in a connection feature 724.

The RF connector pin assembly 700 may be assembled by: frictionally fitting the dielectric 704 with the bushing 706 (e.g., frictionally engaging an outer surface of the dielectric 704 with an inner surface of the bushing 706); frictionally fitting the liner 706 in the second segment 712 (e.g., the outer surface of the liner 706 frictionally engages the inner surface of the second segment 712) such that the dielectric 704 is inserted into the second segment 712; and frictionally fitting the first pin section 709A of the contact pin 708 in the through-channel 718 of the dielectric 704 such that at least a portion of the first pin section 709A of the contact pin 708 (and the connection feature 724) extends beyond the open distal end 722. In this manner, the contact pins 708 need not be forced through the through-channels 718 to assemble the RF connector pin assembly 700. The contact pins 708 and the bushing 706 may be made of any suitable material, such as the non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

In this regard, when assembled, the bushing 706 mounts the dielectric 704 and the contact pin 708 within the housing 702 and also provides a distance "a" between the outer surface of the dielectric 704 and the inner surface of the second section 712 of the housing 702. The distance "a" reduces stress on the contact pins 708 during assembly of the dielectric 704 and the contact pins 708 within the second section 712 of the housing 702. Additionally, the dielectric 704 may thermally expand when the RF connector pin assembly 700 is mounted to a PCB. Distance "a" allows for radial expansion of dielectric 704, further reducing stress on first pin section 709A of contact pin 708. Further, the distance "a" avoids axial expansion of the dielectric 704, which is important for maintaining reliability and electrical performance characteristics, as the electrical characteristics of the RF connector pin assembly 700 may vary depending on the distance between the dielectric 704 and the open distal end 722 of the housing 702.

The first pin section 709A of the contact pin 708 is movably disposed in the through-channel 718 such that the first pin section 709A of the contact pin 708 is axially movable in the through-channel 718 in a first direction 726 and a second direction 728. Additionally, proximal ends 730 of first pin sections 709A of contact pins 708 may extend through passages 718 and into first segment 710 through access openings 716. The first segment 710 may include a socket 732 having a receiving port 734 adapted to receive a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). The first pin section 709A of the contact pin 708 may provide electrical continuity with a connector received by the receiving port 734 of the slot 732.

The second segment 712 includes an open distal end 722 opposite the divider 714. Further, the second segment 712 includes one or more sidewall channels 721 extending upwardly from the open distal end 722. In particular, the second pin section 709B is positioned through at least one of the one or more sidewall channels 721, the connection feature 724 extending through the second segment 712 to the exterior of the housing 702.

In fig. 15A, contact pin 708 is in the first position with distal end 723 of second pin section 709B extending a distance "B" beyond open distal end 722 of housing 702, and connection feature 724 is external to housing 702. As shown in fig. 15B, when the axial movement of the contact pin 708 is in the first direction 726, the connection feature 724 remains external to the housing 702 and the second pin section 709B is positioned at least partially within the one or more sidewall channels 721. In this manner, sufficient distance may be provided to allow the contact pins 708 to move axially in response to movement of the connection features 724 through their engagement with an external structure (such as, for example, a PCB). Further still, the distance "B" may allow the housing 702 to contact the PCB such that the housing 702 may be adapted to provide ground continuity between external components, such as a connector received by the receiving port 734 of the socket 732 and the PCB. The housing 702 may be made of any suitable material, such as a non-limiting example of gold-on-nickel brass.

The frictional engagement of the contact pins 708 with the dielectric 704 is sufficient that the contact pins 708 do not move in the first direction 726 as the RF connector pin assembly 700 engages or disengages a connector (see, e.g., fig. 12). However, this frictional engagement may be purposefully or intentionally overcome to alter the position of the contact pins 708 relative to the dielectric 704 and the housing 702. In this manner, the distance of the connection feature 724 of the contact pin 708 relative to the open distal end 722 of the housing 702 allows intentional movement, but avoids accidental movement.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an RF connector pin assembly 600 connected to PCB 203 with connector 560 inserted into receiving port 634. RF connector pin assembly 600 is aligned with connector 560 along the same axis "X7". The second section 612 of the housing 602 contacts the PCB 203 and thereby establishes ground continuity with the body 562 of the connector 560 that passes through the first section 610 of the housing 602. The connection feature 624 of the contact pin 608 is shown connected to the conductors of the PCB 203, which may be accomplished by soldering the connection feature 624 to a conductive trace (not shown in fig. 16) on the PCB 203. The proximal ends 630 of the contact pins 608 are inserted into the connector 560 and provide continuity with the inner conductor 564 of the connector 560 to establish continuity from the PCB 203 through the contact pins 608 to the inner conductor 564.

Fig. 17-22 are views of a multi-pin RF connector block assembly 800. The RF connector block assembly 800 includes a plurality of RF connector pin assemblies 300 (see fig. 8 and 9) removably mounted in a connector block 802. Fig. 17 is a top view of a multi-pin RF connector block assembly 800 having a plurality of RF connector pin assemblies 300 disposed therein. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a connector block 802 having a connector pin assembly 300 disposed therein. Fig. 19 is a top view of the connector block 802 without the RF connector pin assembly 300. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector block 802 without the RF connector pin assembly 300. Fig. 21 is a top view of the multi-pin RF connector block assembly 800 connected to the PCB 203. Fig. 22 is a side view of the multi-pin RF connector block assembly 800 connected to the PCB 203.

Each RF connector pin assembly 300 is removably mounted in the connector block 802 by removably mounting the plurality of housings 302 in individual ones of the plurality of housing ports 804. It should be noted that although fig. 17-22 illustrate the RF connector pin assembly 300, the RF

connector pin assembly

200, 200', 400, 600, 700 may also be removably mounted in the connector block 802, and the discussion of fig. 17-22 also applies to the RF

connector pin assembly

200, 200', 400, 600, 700. As can be seen in fig. 21 and 22, the connector block 802 is mounted to the external structure 202 (e.g., PCB 203). Housing 302 is removably mounted in housing port 804 such that second section 316 of housing 302 contacts PCB 203 and thereby establishes ground continuity with body 562 of connector 560 (see fig. 12), connector 560 passing through first section 314 of housing 302. In this manner, one of the housings 302 may be removably mounted independently of another one of the housings 302. Additionally, the contact pins 310 in one of the housings 302 are axially movable in the first direction 337 and the second direction 339 (see fig. 9) independently of the contact pins 310 in the other of the housings 302. The connection feature 342 (shown in fig. 22) of each contact pin 310 is connected to a conductive trace 806 (shown in fig. 21) of the PCB 203, which may be accomplished by soldering the connection feature 342 to the conductive trace 806. Further still, each of the second segments 316 (shown in fig. 22) of the housing 302 contacts the PCB 203 and thereby establishes ground continuity between the housing 302 and the PCB 203. In this manner, the RF connector pin assembly 300 may include a plurality of housings 302 and a plurality of contact pins 310 that are connected to the PCB 203 with a connector block 802. The connector block 802 may be made of any suitable plastic material and may be mounted to the external structure 202 using any suitable fasteners 808.

Fig. 23 depicts a method for assembling an RF connector pin assembly 200, 200', 300, 400, the method comprising the steps of: providing a housing 242, 302, 402 containing a first segment 244, 314, 414, a second segment 246, 316, 416, and a partition 248, 318, 418 separating the first segment 244, 314, 414 from the second segment 246, 316, 416 (block 900); inserting a first dielectric 204, 304, 404 into the second segment 246, 316, 416 of the housing 242, 302, 402, the first dielectric 204, 304, 404 including the first through passage 208, 322, 422 and the first stop surface 206, 328, 426 (block 902); inserting a second dielectric 212, 306, 406 into a second segment 246, 316, 416 of the housing 242, 302, 402, the second dielectric 212, 306, 406 including a second through-channel 216, 324, 424 and a second stop surface 214, 330, 428, wherein the second through-channel 216, 324, 424 is aligned with the first through-channel 208, 322, 422 and wherein the first stop surface 206, 328, 426 and the second stop surface 214, 330, 428 form a gap 220, 332, 430 (block 904); movably positioning the contact pin 222, 310, 408 in the housing 242, 302, 402, the contact pin 222, 310, 408 comprising a first pin section 224, 334, 432, a second pin section 226, 336, 434 and an annular collar 228, 338, 436 at an interface 230, 340, 438 of the first pin section 224, 334, 432 and the second pin section 226, 336, 434, wherein the first pin section 224, 334, 432 is movably arranged in the first through-passage 208, 322, 422 and the second pin section 226, 336, 434 is movably arranged in the second through-passage 216, 324, 424, and wherein the contact pin 222, 310, 408 is axially movable in the first through-passage 208, 322, 422 and the second through-passage 216, 324, 424 in a first direction, 337, 444 and a second direction 240, 339, 446, and wherein the annular collar 228, 434 is axially movable in the first through-passage 208, 322, 422 and the second through-passage 216, 324, 424, 338. 436 are positioned in the

gaps

220, 332, 430 without passing through the first 208, 322, 422 and second 216, 324, 424 through-channels (block 906).

Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, any methods set forth herein are not intended to be construed as requiring that their steps be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments in combination, sub-combination, and variations thereof, which will occur to persons skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention is to be construed as including all equivalents thereof which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly, comprising:

a first dielectric including a first stop surface and a first through-channel extending through the first dielectric;

a second dielectric including a second stop surface positioned relative to the first stop surface and a second through-channel extending through the second dielectric, wherein the second through-channel is aligned with the first through-channel, and wherein the first and second stop surfaces define a gap between the first and second dielectrics; and

A contact pin comprising a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar located at an intersection of the first and second pin sections, and wherein the first pin section is movably disposed in the first through-channel and the second pin section is movably disposed in the second through-channel, and wherein the annular collar is located in the gap, and wherein axial movement of the contact pin is limited by movement of the annular collar in the gap between the first and second stop surfaces, and wherein the first pin section is adapted to provide electrical continuity with an external component, and wherein the second pin section terminates distally in a connection feature.

2. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular collar extends radially from the contact pin, and wherein an outer diameter "AOD" of the annular collar is greater than an inner diameter "FID" of the first through passage and an inner diameter "SID" of the second through passage.

3. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular collar comprises a first side and a second side.

4. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 3, wherein the first side of the annular collar contacts the first stop surface to limit the axial movement of the contact pin in a first direction.

5. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 3, wherein the second side of the annular collar contacts the second stop surface to limit the axial movement of the contact pin in a second direction.

6. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the external component is an electrical connector.

7. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 1, wherein the contact pin moves axially in response to movement of the connection feature by an external structure.

8. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 7, wherein the external structure comprises a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

9. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 8, wherein the connection feature is adapted for connection to the PCB.

10. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 9, wherein the connection feature is adapted to be soldered to the PCB.

11. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 10, wherein the connection feature is adapted to be soldered to a conductive trace of the PCB.

12. A Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly, comprising:

a housing comprising a first section and a second section separated from the first section by a divider, wherein the divider comprises an access opening extending between the first section and the second section;

a first dielectric positioned in the second segment, the first dielectric including a first stop surface and a first through-channel extending through the first dielectric, and wherein the first through-channel is aligned with the access opening;

a second dielectric positioned in the second segment, the second dielectric including a second stop surface positioned relative to the first stop surface and a second through channel extending through the second dielectric, wherein the second through channel is aligned with the first through channel and with the access opening, and wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface define a gap between the first dielectric and the second dielectric, and wherein the first stop surface is separated from the second stop surface by a distance "A" through the gap; and

A contact pin comprising a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at the intersection of the first pin section and the second pin section, wherein the first pin section is movably arranged in the first through-channel and the second pin section is movably arranged in the second through-channel, and wherein the contact pin is axially movable in the first through-channel and the second through-channel in a first direction and a second direction, and wherein the annular collar is positioned in the gap, and wherein the axial movement of the contact pin is limited to a movement of the annular collar in the gap limited by the first stop surface in the first direction and a movement of the annular collar in the second direction limited by the second stop surface, and wherein the first pin section extends through the first through channel and into the first section through the access opening, and wherein the second pin section terminates distally in a connecting feature.

13. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the first section comprises a socket having a receiving port adapted to receive a connector.

14. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 13, wherein the first pin section is electrically continuous with the connector received by the receiving port of the socket.

15. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the second segment comprises an open distal end relative to the divider.

16. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 15, wherein the connection feature is in the housing when axial movement of the contact pin is at a first directional travel limit.

17. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 15, wherein the connection feature extends through the open distal end of the housing when axial movement of the contact pin is at a second directional travel limit.

18. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 17, wherein the connection feature extends a distance "B" through the open distal end.

19. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 18, wherein the distance "B" does not exceed the distance "a".

20. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 18, wherein the contact pin moves axially in response to movement of the connection feature through engagement with an external structure.

21. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 20, wherein the external structure is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and wherein the connection feature is adapted to connect to the PCB.

22. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 21, wherein the housing is adapted to provide ground continuity between the external structure and the PCB.

23. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the contact pin comprises a plurality of contact pins.

24. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of housings.

25. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein a portion of the second pin section extends at an angle to the first pin section.

26. The RF connector pin assembly of claim 12, wherein the second pin section extends at a right angle to the first pin section.

27. A method of assembling a Radio Frequency (RF) connector pin assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a housing including a first section, a second section, and a divider separating the first section from the second section;

inserting a first dielectric in the second section of the housing, the first dielectric including a first through channel and a first stop surface;

Inserting a second dielectric in the second section of the housing, the second dielectric including a second through-channel and a second stop surface, wherein the second through-channel is aligned with the first through-channel, and wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface form a gap; and

a contact pin is movably arranged in the housing, the contact pin comprising a first pin section, a second pin section, and an annular collar at the intersection of the first pin section and the second pin section, wherein the first pin section is movably arranged in the first through-channel and the second pin section is movably arranged in the second through-channel, and wherein the contact pin is axially movable in the first through-channel and the second through-channel in a first direction and a second direction, and wherein the annular collar is positioned in the gap without passing through the first through-channel and the second through-channel.